O'Dea, Willie

Thursday, 26 May 2005

Question put: “That the proposal for dealing with No. 18 be agreed.”Voted Yes

Disability Bill 2004: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage.

Amendment put.Voted No

Question again put.Voted Yes

Priority Questions - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: his plans to bring forward legislation to permit Defence Forces personnel to train abroad as part of the proposed EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

At this time, I have no plans to bring forward legislation regarding overseas training. When I last spoke in the House on this matter I stated that, to reach the requisite level of interoperability, a...

The Deputy is right about our very long and proud record of service to the United Nations, and I emphasise that it will continue. The battle group concept is that a relatively small force should go in...

Was asked: the outcome of the recent Defence Forces mission to the Lebanon to try to establish the location of the remains of Private Kevin Joyce who has been missing since 1981; if he has any expectation that t...

On 27 April 1981, an observation post in South Lebanon manned by two members of the Irish battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, Private Hugh Doherty and Private K...

I am aware of the delegation and will of course ask it to raise the matter with the Palestinian authorities. That said, the Minister for Foreign Affairs raised the matter with the Palestinian authorit...

I accept that completely. We will continue with our efforts. We had communication from members of the Joyce family in light of current events. That communication is confidential and I do not wish to g...

Priority Questions - Defence Forces Property.

Was asked: the discussions he has had with the Irish Aviation Authority and South Dublin and Kildare County Councils regarding operations at Weston Aerodrome at a longer runway and with the use of larger aircraf...

My Department has written to the Irish Aviation Authority to express concerns about possible developments at Weston Aerodrome. The Irish Aviation Authority has not received an airspace change proposal...

The Deputy has some very interesting information and I would appreciate if she would furnish me with copies of the documentation in her possession. The ultimate control of those using airspace or exte...

Priority Questions - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: the recent discussions he has had with the Department of Foreign Affairs with respect to the triple lock policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The conditions under which the Defence Forces may participate in overseas peace support operations have been made very clear by the Government. The conditions, which are known as the triple lock, must...

The question of whether Ireland can participate in EU battle groups within the confines of the triple lock system is under examination by my Department. We intend to identify the obstacles that exist ...

Deputy Murphy proposes that we replace the requirement that overseas missions must be authorised or established by the UN with more vague criteria. That would involve unlocking one of the three locks ...

Was asked: the military hardware that will be used by the EU battle groups.

The European Union, which produces 25% of world GDP and has a population of 450 million, is one of the richest trading blocks in the world. Recognising its wealth, influence and impact on world affair...

Deputy Ó Snodaigh’s question related to the military hardware to be used by the EU battle groups. I have told him in quite reasonable language that the type of military hardware that will be used will...

Last Monday, a meeting of Defence Ministers was held in Brussels. Of the many countries which will participate in battle groups, none intends to increase defence expenditure and neither does Ireland. ...

Other Questions - Defence Forces Personnel.

Was asked: the number of Defence Forces personnel tested to date under the new drug testing programme; the numbers who tested positive; the action which is taken when a member tests positive; and if he will make...

Drug abuse has long been recognised as a serious and escalating problem in our society and while there have been relatively few instances of drug related problems within the Defence Forces, it is reco...

The answer to the last question is “yes”. On the question of which drugs are tested for, a controlled drug is as specified in the Schedule to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended by the Misuse of ...

The answer to the latter question is “yes”. They are immediately stood down but have access to an appeals procedure which I can communicate to the House or the Deputy if he so wishes. I do not know th...

I agree with Deputy Finian McGrath. As I said to Deputy Sherlock, in terms of access to weapons, it would be a serious matter if there were a problem of widespread drug abuse in the Army. That is the ...

Other Questions - Defence Forces Equipment.

Was asked: the number of helicopters in the Air Corps; the age of these aircraft; if any replacement or upgrading of these craft is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the number of fixed wing aircraft available to the Air Corps; the age of these aircraft; if replacement or upgrading of these craft is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current age of all craft available to the Air Corps; the acquisitions which will be made to supplement the Air Corps fleet during the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matt...

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 7, 21 and 41 together. The Air Corps has a 40-aircraft complement comprising 14 helicopters and 26 fixed-wing aircraft. The type and age of the aircraft is set out i...

I agree with the Deputy that the strongest possible Air Corps is necessary. The eight Pilatus aircraft which we acquired last year are replacing seven Marchetti aircraft which had an average age of 28...

It is not currently envisaged.

While the agreement is not yet finalised, I am advised that it is almost concluded. The question of a dedicated air ambulance service is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Health and...

No.

Other Questions - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: if he will reform the triple lock mechanism which governs the deployment of contingents of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if the Government intends to view the operation of the triple lock at any stage in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 30 together. As the House is aware, the circumstances in which the Defence Forces may participate in overseas peace support operations have been made very clear ...

Our contribution in the eyes of the world will not be undermined. The world has shown great admiration for our contribution over the past 50 years which has been made within the constraints of the tri...

I am personally committed to the triple lock, as Deputy Gormley recognised, but I also speak for the Cabinet. That is Government policy. We will stick with the triple lock. In regard to Deputy Gormley...

No, the triple lock is not written into the Constitution but non-participation in common defence will suffice in this regard.

I do not share Deputy Gormley’s pessimism.

Other Questions - Military Hospitals.

Was asked: the position with regard to the availability of St. Bricin’s Hospital to the Department of Health and Children; his views on the extent to which St. Bricin’s would need to be upgraded for use in the w...

Was asked: when he expects to hand over control of St. Bricin’s Hospital to the Department of Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the situation regarding his offer to make St. Bricin’s military hospital in Dublin available to the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 42 and 55 together. The House will be aware that I have indicated my willingness to make the facilities at St. Bricin’s military hospital available to the public he...

I will take the last question first. The answer is “yes”, St. Bricin’s is primarily a military hospital and the military will always have priority there. Deputy Sherlock asked which Department would p...

If I understand the question the Deputy asked, the position is that the then Minister, Deputy Michael Smith, indicated in 2001 that St. Bricin’s would be available. The relevant health authority looke...

I assure Deputy Sherlock that whatever the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children want to do, they will have my full co-operation. I am waiting for them to finalise their p...

They have told me they will come back to me shortly.

Other Questions - National Emergency Plan.

Was asked: if he will report on the meeting he convened on 26 April 2005 of the task force on emergency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the number of task forces or agencies with responsibility for national security and emergency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: when the task force on emergency planning and the interdepartmental group on emergency planning last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if recent testing of emergency planning has taken place; if so, the findings of any such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 12, 19 and 24 together. I express my condolences and sincere sympathy to the families and friends of those who died and were injured in the tragic road accident in...

On the first question, we discussed the results of the exercise in Youghal, which was code-named “Blackwater”. By and large, it was very successful. Without going into too much detail, I can state the...

Perhaps The Irish Times does not like me. I do not know why. There were a number of inaccuracies in the article. I have a draft of the article I was to write in reply and I might let Deputy Gormley ha...

It is incorrect. I wanted to correct this inaccuracy in the interest of public knowledge. I am on the committee. There has been much talk about co-ordination. In some countries, the office of emergenc...

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has a major plan for such.

Yes, and the Department of Health and Children has taken a number of steps. I will talk to this Department about incidents such as that mentioned by the Deputy. It is on the agenda for the next task f...

I accept what Deputy Gerard Murphy says. A plethora of agencies are involved in each individual case, whether in a train derailment, a bus crash or a chemical fall-out. Ultimately, three key agencies ...

Other Questions - Defence Forces Reserve.

Was asked: the progress to date with regard to the implementation of the reserve Defence Force review implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: his plans to bring forward legislation to permit members of the reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 56 together. On 26 July 2004 my predecessor, Deputy Michael Smith, officially launched the reserve Defence Force review implementation plan which was the start ...

Written Answers - Military Escorts.

Was asked: if he will report on the agreement reached earlier in May 2005 with the banks regarding payment for military escorts for cash transits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: when the new arrangement with the Irish Bankers Federation regarding the costs of providing military escorts for cash consignments will come into operation; the total revenue that will accrue to his D...

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 58 together. As I have outlined in replies to previous questions an annual contribution of €2.86 million has been paid by the banks to my Department in respect ...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: the number of Defence Forces personnel on service overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the requests for personnel which the Defence Forces have received from the United Nations to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 59 together. Ireland is currently contributing approximately 740 Defence Forces personnel to 19 different missions throughout the world. The main commitments ar...

Was asked: the situation with respect to the investigation into the murders of persons (details supplied).

Was asked: if he has received a response to his reported request to the DPP (details supplied) to review the case of the killers of two Irish soldiers in the Lebanon in 1980 with a view to securing a prosecution...

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 64 together. The case to which the Deputies refer relates to the killing of Private Thomas Barrett and Private Derek Smallhorne while serving with the United Na...

Written Answers - EU Battle Groups.

Was asked: if there have been further developments in regard to the formation and participation of EU led battle groups or peace enforcement missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if the Government will actively play a role in the formation of the EU battle groups currently under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: , further to possible joint training missions with forces of EU member states, if he will report on the review now taking place by the interdepartmental group he established on the issue of Irish troo...

Was asked: if he has contacted any of his EU member state counterparts with regard to Ireland’s contributing to a possible joint EU battle group; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if any decision has been taken on the matter of Irish participation in EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if he has received communications from any of his European Union counterparts with regard to the proposed new EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the extent to which Irish Defence Forces personnel have been involved in preparations for EU rapid response military missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in regard to the possible formation of EU peace enhancement or peace enforcement missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the extent to which progress has been made in the formation of EU led battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 20, 31, 33, 43, 53, 154, 155 and 156 together. The background to the rapid response elements concept, commonly referred to as battle groups, is that at the Europea...

Written Answers - Employee Protection Legislation.

Was asked: if has reconsidered or proposes to reconsider the justification for the exclusion of members of the PDFORRA from most of the statutory labour protection code, whether on a global or piecemeal basis; a...

Over the years PDFORRA has canvassed the idea that a soldier’s conditions of employment should largely replicate conditions in the civilian world. However, in a professional military organisation, thi...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: the level of assistance being given to countries affected by the December 2004 tsunami by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As soon as the scale of the disaster in South East Asia became clear, the Department of Foreign Affairs deployed a high level technical assessment team, which included a member of the Defence Forces, ...

Was asked: his views on whether the utilisation of regional arrangements or agencies for enforcement action under the authority of the UN Security Council is synonymous with the establishment of an international...

The Defence Forces participate in two main types of overseas armed missions, namely, traditional UN led “Blue Hat” missions and UN authorised missions. The first type is where the mission is establish...

Written Answers - Hearing Impairment Claims.

Was asked: the number of claims for damages for deafness determined in court or settled out of court at the latest date for which figures are available; the amount paid out to date in terms of damages or legal c...

As of 30 April 2005, a total of 16,736 claims had been received in my Department from current and former members of the Defence Forces in respect of loss of hearing allegedly caused during their milit...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: if he has received a report from the chief of staff on the findings of the board of officers established to examine events in Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961; and if he will make a statement...

I have received and examined the Jadotville report. The report fully exonerates the actions of A Company. At the time they surrendered, nothing would have been served by fighting on, except further an...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Training.

Was asked: if he has reviewed the regulations in regard to Defence Forces recruits who are injured during training being discharged due to their not having access to the public health service within the requisit...

At this stage, I do not envisage any requirement to change the provisions of the relevant Defence Force regulations with specific regard to the period within which a recruit must reach the appropriate...

Written Answers - Naval Service Vessels.

Was asked: his plans to replace the ships of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if it is planned to augment the capability of the Naval Service through the acquisition of new craft or the refurbishment of existing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 51 together. In the White Paper on defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service will be developed around the provision of an eight ship flotilla. In r...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: the level of Defence Forces support that will be sent to Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the situation regarding the UN’s request to Ireland for peacekeeping forces in Sudan; if the risk assessment on Sudan has yet taken place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the mat...

Was asked: the position with regard to his consideration of the request received from the UN for Irish troops to be deployed to Sudan as part of a multinational peacekeeping force established to police the recen...

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 47 and 66 together. The United Nations department of peacekeeping operations, UNDPKO, has invited Ireland to contribute a small number of Defence Forces personnel ...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Reserve.

Was asked: the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the training that each member engages in; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Reserve Defence Force, including an Slua Muirí, is 12,287. Reserve Defence Force personnel engage in a variety of training related to the...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Training.

Was asked: the training given to members of the Defence Forces to deal with a nuclear accident or emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The military authorities advise that chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, CBRN, training is conducted at induction level for all cadets and recruits in the Defence Forces. During the conduc...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Strength.

Was asked: if the current strength of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the strength by rank and gender of the permanent Defence Forces; if it is intended to increase these numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current strength of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the number of officers and personnel of other ranks in the Naval Service at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which these figures compare with the establishment levels set ou...

Was asked: the agreed strength of the Defence Forces according to the White Paper; the current strength of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current strength of the Naval Service by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current strength of the Army by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current strength of the Air Corps by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: his proposals to increase the number in the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 38, 57, 63, 157, 158, 159 and 160 together. The White Paper on defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, ...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Property.

Was asked: if he had any discussions with the Department of Transport with respect to the possible use of Baldonnel Aerodrome to assist in alleviating the overcrowding difficulties at Dublin Airport.

Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel as outlined in the Whit...

Written Answers - International Terrorism.

Was asked: if he has satisfied himself with the Defence Forces’s capability to deal with any threat to Ireland that may exist from international terrorists; if he has held any discussions with the Department of ...

Was asked: the number of Permanent Defence Forces on constant alert in the event of a security breach or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are individually and collectively adequately prepared and trained to meet eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on ...

Was asked: the estimated length of time to put Defence Forces into action in the event of a terrorist attack in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 161, 162 and 163 together. The most important defence against any terrorist attack is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda Síochána has...

Written Answers - Search and Rescue Service.

Was asked: if he will restore the search and rescue service for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. The Air Corps had been providing search and rescue,...

Written Answers - EU Battle Groups.

Was asked: the relationship between the new EU battle groups and the EU constitution’s permanent structured co-operation; if most of the battle groups will be a part of permanent structured co-operation; and if ...

The European constitution proposes a new arrangement known as “permanent structured co-operation”— to enable those member states wishing to do so to commit to being able to undertake the most demandin...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Equipment.

Was asked: if he will report on the voluntary code to boost cross-border competition in military equipment, which is to be agreed in November 2005 by EU Defence Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the ...

A decision to establish an intergovernmental agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments, known as the European Defence Agency, EDA, was formally adopt...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Property.

Was asked: the number of medical facilities available to the Defence Forces; the capacity and usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the medical facilities available to the Defence Forces within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 65 together. The military medical services and their facilities exist primarily to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational ...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: the situation with respect to the disappearance of a person (details supplied).

On 27 April 1981, an observation post in South Lebanon manned by two members of the Irish battalion serving with the United Nations interim force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, Private Hugh Doherty and Private K...

Was asked: the strength of the Irish Defence Forces contingent serving in Liberia; if he will report on the situation in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Defence Forces contingent, which was deployed for service with the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, in December 2003, currently comprises a motorised infantry battalion, of some 404 perso...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Property.

Was asked: if it is planned to offer for sale lands or facilities currently used by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current use of all of the military installations decommissioned in 1998; the cost to date associated with security, maintenance or other services; the benefits accruing from rents or sale; the pro...

Was asked: the net benefit to the Exchequer accruing from the closure of the various military barracks decommissioned in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Was asked: the current value of the decommissioned Magee Barracks in Kildare town; the future intentions for the barracks; the extent to which discussions have taken place with interested parties on its future u...

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 151, 164 and 165 together. On 15 July 1998, the Government approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements....

Written Answers - Injury Compensation Claims.

Was asked: the amount paid out to members of the Defence Forces for each of the past five years in respect of compensation claims for injury or illness (details supplied); the amount paid in respect of legal cos...

Details of the amount paid by my Department in settlement of compensation claims and associated legal costs, excluding hearing loss claims, over the period in question are shown in the table. Non-Hear...

Written Answers - Nuclear Safety.

Was asked: if the Defence Forces provide security for the transportation of nuclear or chemical materials within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order. One of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when req...

Written Answers - Bullying in the Workplace.

Was asked: the position regarding steps to eradicate bullying and harassment from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. Eileen Doyle and the external advisory committee presented their report, The Challenge of a Workplace, in March 2002. That independent report addressed the range of interpersonal issues within the...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Equipment.

Was asked: the number of nuclear, biological and chemical suits available to the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an...

Written Answers - Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Was asked: his views on the role of space technologies in the EU’s new European security and defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Space assets have multiple applications, both civil and military. In the civil role, space assets or satellites are used, for example, in monitoring implementation of the Common Agriculture Policy and...

Written Answers - Air Ambulance Service.

Was asked: the number of helicopters available to the air ambulance service; if the provision of a dedicated all-island emergency helicopter medical service is being considered; and if he will make a statement o...

The provision of an air ambulance service is primarily a matter for the Department of Health and Children. Inter-hospital air ambulance services are currently provided by the Air Corps and the Irish C...

Written Answers - Overseas Missions.

Was asked: if he will report on the activities of the Irish Defence Forces deployed in Afghanistan.

On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN charter authorising the deployment of an international security assistance force, ISAF, in ...

Written Answers - Air Corps Helicopter Fleet.

Was asked: if he is proceeding with a significant helicopter fleet replacement programme which has been approved by Cabinet and put in place for the Air Corps, which helicopters, while being purchased for troop ...

Following a tender competition, two contracts have been signed for the provision of new helicopters for the Air Corps, at a total cost of over €61million. Four utility AB 139 helicopters are being acq...

Written Answers - Defence Forces Property.

Was asked: the current number of Army overholders; the extent to which he has had discussions with his colleagues regarding the provision of permanent housing in such cases; and if he will make a statement on th...

Personnel on being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force are obliged to vacate married quarters within a short period of the dates of their discharge. The provision of housing is primarily a mat...

Was asked: if he has satisfied himself regarding the quality of residential quarters for the military; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The refurbishment of residential accommodation is an integral part of my Department’s ongoing building programme. Major contracts to improve the standard of accommodation have been placed over the pas...